Mechanical Engineer, Interceptor

Job description

**Who We Are** GITAI is a vertically integrated space and defense company building the next generation of hardware for low-Earth-orbit missions. At our core is the space robotics technology that has defined GITAI from the beginning. A small, highly capable engineering team applies that foundation across satellite buses, in-orbit servicing robotics, and mission hardware for applications such as Earth observation. Today, a major focus of our work is supporting U.S. national security missions, particularly through proliferated LEO satellite constellations and other next-generation space systems. We design, build, integrate, and test much of our hardware in-house. Electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, integration, and test teams work closely together, allowing a small team to own complete systems rather than isolated components. This vertical integration helps us move quickly, learn directly from hardware, and shorten the path from architecture to a working system. We are still early. The systems, the company, and the market are all being built at the same time. Requirements change, technical problems are often ambiguous, and many answers do not yet exist. We are looking for exceptional engineers and operators who want broad ownership, can work across disciplines, and are willing to stay close to the hardware until the mission succeeds. **Your Mission** Design, build, and test the mechanical hardware that turns an interceptor concept into a working vehicle. You will own interceptor hardware from early mechanical layouts through detailed design, prototype manufacturing, assembly, field testing, failure investigation, and redesign. The scope includes vehicle structures, motor and propulsion interfaces, avionics packaging, internal mechanisms, test articles, fixtures, and ground-support equipment. This is not a propulsion-performance or analysis-heavy position. You will perform the calculations needed to support sound engineering decisions, but the main work is practical mechanical engineering. The hardware must be manufacturable, assemble correctly, survive its expected environment, and be ready for the next test. You will work closely with propulsion, avionics, electrical, manufacturing, test, and supply chain teams. You will also spend significant time at remote test sites. The work requires broad ownership, fast technical learning, and the ability to keep moving when the design, hardware, or test plan changes. **What You’ll Drive** - Design and release mechanical hardware for interceptor vehicles, including primary and secondary structures, motor mounts and interfaces, avionics packaging, internal mechanisms, enclosures, test fixtures, and ground-support equipment. - Translate system requirements, packaging constraints, expected loads, environmental conditions, and subsystem interfaces into manufacturable CAD models, drawings, bills of materials, and assembly definitions. - Own the prototype build cycle by working directly with machinists, technicians, suppliers, and other engineers through fabrication, inspection, assembly, integration, fit checks, and rework. - Prepare for and execute structural, environmental, propulsion-related, and vehicle-level tests, including test hardware, setup, field operations, teardown, inspection, and rapid repair. - Investigate manufacturing, assembly, and test failures, identify likely root causes, and close the loop through practical design changes and the next hardware build. - Make clear tradeoffs among mass, strength, stiffness, manufacturability, cost, schedule, testability, and reliability while maintaining appropriate configuration and design documentation. **What We’re Looking For** - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. - At least one year of professional experience at a rocketry, missile, launch-vehicle, propulsion, or closely related aerospace company. - Direct experience designing mechanical hardware that was manufactured, assembled, and tested, such as vehicle structures, avionics packaging, propulsion interfaces, mechanisms, or flight and test hardware. - Strong 3D CAD and mechanical drawing skills, including GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, material selection, fastening methods, and design for manufacturing and assembly. - Practical understanding of structural mechanics, load paths, vibration, shock, and thermal effects, with the ability to perform the calculations needed to support design decisions. - Experience working directly with machinists, technicians, suppliers, or fabrication teams to resolve manufacturing, assembly, and hardware issues. - Basic understanding of rocket or missile propulsion systems and the mechanical constraints they impose on the vehicle, along with the ability to learn unfamiliar technical areas quickly. - Willingness and ability to spend approximately 50% of your time at remote test sites under demanding field conditions. - U.S. citizenship is required due to the nature of GITAI’s work with U.S. government customers and programs. This role may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. **Location & Position Type** - Torrance, CA / Full-time - This is a full-time onsite role based at GITAI’s office in Torrance, CA. This position requires working onsite five days per week. Remote or hybrid work is not expected for this role. - This position is expected to spend approximately 50% of its time traveling to or working at test sites, primarily in the Mojave Desert and other locations outside the Los Angeles area. - Field assignments may involve multi-day stays, early departures, long test days, changing schedules, outdoor work, dust, heat, cold, and occasional evening or weekend work. **Compensation** The annual base salary range for this position is expected to be $100,000 to $155,000. Actual compensation and final level will be determined based on relevant experience, demonstrated mechanical-design capability, hands-on manufacturing and test experience, and other job-related factors. This position is also eligible for stock options and company benefits. **Benefits** - Health Insurance – Platinum medical plan with 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees; 90% for dependents - 401(k) Plan – Company match up to 3.5%, with traditional and Roth options - Equity – Stock option eligibility depending on role - Relocation Support – Available for qualifying positions - Time Off – 12 paid holidays per year, 12 days of paid vacation per year, and paid sick leave (in accordance with applicable law) - Office Perks – Free snacks and drinks, plus regular team events *GITAI does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing or recruiting agencies. We work only with recruiting partners that have been specifically engaged by GITAI. No fees will be paid for resumes submitted without a prior agreement.* Compensation may include base salary or hourly pay and, depending on the position, equity. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset, and other job-related factors. LA salary range $100,000—$155,000 USD **Important Notice** - Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. - To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), GITAI Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. - GITAI USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with GITAI USA is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.